Fansided

Here’s what the White Sox still have to play for after clinching AL Central

By Mark Powell

Jul 1, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa (22) watches the game against the Minnesota Twins during the seventh inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 1, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa (22) watches the game against the Minnesota Twins during the seventh inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Chicago White Sox still have a bit to play for, even if they’re essentially locked into the No. 3 seed in the American League.

In baseball, there’s always something to play for, even if that feat isn’t always obvious.

The Chicago White Sox clinched the American League Central on Thursday afternoon, not that it was ever in question. The second-place Cleveland Indians are 10.5 games back, and haven’t been much of a threat since midseason.

Winning the division is a huge accomplishment for a team that will appear in the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history. It should be celebrated even more when you consider the ChiSox have been hit hard by injuries to key players, including Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert.

Chicago White Sox: What is there to play for?

The White Sox entered the day 5.5 games behind the Houston Astros for the second-best record in the American League. Catching Houston would be a surprise given the number of games left in the regular season, but theoretically it can still happen. Home-field in the ALDS is important to say the least.

On top of that, a World Series run would be rewarded with home-field advantage assuming the White Sox have a better record than their opponent. Every win matters down the stretch, as the Braves and Cardinals — two likely playoff teams — have very similar records to Chicago.

So, while the White Sox should try to line up their rotation for the ALDS, they shouldn’t lose sight of what could be down the road.

Next. When is the last time the White Sox won the AL Central?. dark

As baseball fans, we all remember our firsts. Whether it’s the first game we attended, the first jersey we purchased or our team’s first World Series win. This summer, Woodbridge Wines, FanSided and some of your favorite baseball stars want to help you celebrate your baseball fan firsts. Check out this video from Adam Jones talking about his own baseball first and then share your own stories by visiting https://woodbridgevideocontest.dja.com/index for your chance to meet Adam Jones himself!”
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C., 21 or older. Starts 10:00 AM (ET) on August 2, 2021 and ends 11:59 PM (ET) on September 30, 2021. The Woodbridge Video Contest is sponsored by Constellation Brands, Inc. No alcohol awarded with prizes. Void where prohibited. For complete details, see Official Rules at WoodbridgeVideoContest.dja.com. Please enjoy our wines responsibly. © 2021 Woodbridge Winery, Acampo, CA

Home/Chicago White Sox